Reddit mentions of Vilros Raspberry Pi 3 Complete Starter Kit - WiFi + Bluetooth Connectivity

I thought it'd make sense to list all this information in one place:

• Here's the starter kit I used to make them. They're currently on sale for about $60.
  
  EDIT: I realized in hindsight that this kit runs with 256mb 512M of RAM. For the same price, you can get the another 512M version, here.
  
  
• Here's the Lifehacker guide for beginners interested in trying this on their own.
  
  Note: the games for these consoles are very likely to be copyright material, so it's up to the reader's discretion on how to go about attaining them.
  
  
• Don't forget to check the other 8 pictures in the album that get cut off if you head to imgur from a browser, or you'll miss the best part (and the rest of the steps)!
  
  EDIT: Setting up the controllers seems to be the most common question asked in this thread. I personally went in via ssh (or F4 if you have a keyboard connected) to home/pi/RetroPie-Setup/RetroPie-Setup.sh to configure the RetroArch controllers. From there you can also find the button values which map to your controller, and add your advanced emulator functionality (quit game, save/load state, etc) to your /opt/retropie/configs/all/retroarch.cfg file like I did here. People looking for more help can find a more detailed thread (which sets up the controllers differently, mind you) at /r/raspberry_pi , here.
  
  New EDIT: If for some reason this button mapping doesnt work (perhaps for someone else that has another controller type, for example), I've heard that the retropie-setup.sh script has been broken with the newest RetroPie Images (2.3). What the setup script essentially does is call the retroarch joyconfig binaries and saves the output as your controller config . As a workaround, we can hardcode your retroarch.cfg file with your controller. Type the command:
  
  > sudo /opt/retropie/emulators/RetroArch/installdir/bin/retroarch-joyconfig -o /opt/retropie/configs/all/p1.cfg -p 1 -j 0
  
  and then follow the instructions that appear on screen. Afterwards use the command below to take that config file and append it to your retroarch.cfg file:
  
  >sudo cat /opt/retropie/configs/all/p1.cfg >> /opt/retropie/configs/all/retroarch.cfg
  
  You should now have the button mappings in retroarch.cfg to use for your advanced emulator functionality. Note, you'll want to do this for each controller you have (change '-p' and '-j' accordingly).
  
  Update (1/10): Looks like RetroPie v2.4 is out. The change log suggests that the controller config issues have been resolved (but I haven't tested it).

I got my kit for $85 from amazon (raspberry pi and antenna), and you could even get it cheaper if you wanted. Here's fr24's instructions, although you may need some more help like I did setting up the raspberry pi.

I have a Vilros kit, seems pretty good.
This is the one I have, it's more for computing: http://www.amazon.com/Raspberry-Complete-Starter-Quick-Start/dp/B00L87YMGM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1422173960&sr=8-1&keywords=vilros&pebp=1422173986857&peasin=B00L87YMGM

This one is for electronics, etc: http://www.amazon.com/Raspberry-Ultimate-Starter-components--Raspberry-Kingston/dp/B00LAAZKXQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1422173960&sr=8-2&keywords=vilros

I just got this kit from Amazon for $60 with a Raspberry Pi plus case, power supply, preloaded SD card, wifi, HDMI cable, and heat sinks.

I've ordered about 50 of these

http://www.amazon.com/Raspberry-Complete-Starter-Quick-Start/dp/B00L87YMGM/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1415820344&sr=1-4&keywords=raspberry+pi

From Canakit. They have everything I need to deploy a project. The price is very good, quality is great. Comes in a single box which is great for storage. yes you could save a few bucks searching around, but their support, ease, and not having to go searching a dozen options is worth a few extra bucks

I wish I could tell you! He plays games on his computer so maybe game? I see the B+ and would go for that but wanted to get a starter kit so he could mess around with that, but there are a few options on amazon. Like this or this.

Sure.

So I used this as a guide.

The petRockBlog and /r/raspberry_pi were also helpful resources.

I bought a Raspberry Pi B+ Complete Starter Kit, 2 Buffalo Classic USB Gamepads, and Zune A/V Output Cable. The A/V cable has to be compatible with a Zune, some A/V cables like this won't work. I learned that the hard way. I also bought a Mini Wireless Keyboard. A keyboard is required for the setup (any keyboard will do). I got the mini keyboard so I could have a keyboard in my car to troubleshoot potential issues while on the road. It's optional, but I recommend it.

Then I just followed the guide (mentioned above) to set up the RasPi with RetroPi, then plugged in all the cables, and bam I had a retro game console in my car.

NOTE: Instead of the 2.5A Power Supply included in the kit I used a standard micro usb cable plugged into a USB slot in the center console to power the RasPi.

Oh that's fine then, because the thing already comes with a SD card.
I think I'm going to get the starter pack: http://www.amazon.com/Raspberry-Complete-Starter-Includes-Quick/dp/B00L87YMGM/ref=pd_cp_pc_2

That Complete Starter Kit Should be just fine. Unless he wants to do some custom circuitry, then go for the ultimate. I started putting a list together, but the price is roughly the same, so you aren't getting ripped off.

Awesome thanks for the info and enjoy the gold!

So i'm looking at the "complete starter kit" here because it has HDMI and WiFi enabled, both of which will be super convenient when setting it up:

http://www.amazon.com/Raspberry-Complete-Starter-Quick-Start/dp/B00L87YMGM/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1416436112&sr=1-2&keywords=raspberry+pi+b%2B&pebp=1416436121474

I was kinda confused that you couldn't just order one from the main web page so not sure if Amazon is the best place to order.

And I'm also under the impression that you have to install the ROMs yourself?

Sure...

• Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ (the Pi 2 probably would have been sufficient, but at the time I bought it , the 3 was actually cheaper on Amazon)
  
  
• 22" HP LCD computer monitor ($40 on Craigslist)
  
  
• Amazon Basics HDMI to DVI converter
  
  
• Wireless Keyboard & Mouse (I used a basic keyboard and mouse while programming, but I bought this guy for any on-the-fly changes I need to make. I just store it on the top lip of the frame)
  
  
• A basic surge protector
  
  
• Raspberry Pi 5V 2.5A power supply (I had to use this one because the one pictured didn't supply enough power and it was causing some screen issues)
  
  
• White pine lumber, some brackets, and some pocket screws for the frame build

Get a raspberryPI, load OpenElec/KODI/RaspBMC/OSMC and add the Genesis add-on. Everything you could possibly want there.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L87YMGM/

http://addons.tvaddons.ag/show/plugin.video.genesis/

Or

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00L87YMGM/ref=psdcmw_3015426011_t2_B008XVAVAW

$12 Snes controller

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002B9XB0E/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1479081200&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=buffalo+snes&dpPl=1&dpID=41S9SGH%2BHNL&ref=plSrch

I'm pretty new to it too, and for me, buying the kit (power cable, hdmi, preloaded microSD, etc.) was a good route. Then you have a choice to make - is it a tiny linux server for you, or do you want to play with making stuff? I am pretty new to it all, but the Raspberry Pi T-cobbler + ribbon cable + breadboard kit (transistors, leds, wires, etc.) was the right combo for me to start learning. From another newbie, the best advice i can give is to watch your voltages!

My Pi: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L87YMGM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The add-ons:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N0R6EVE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009NC8OS6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N4SHO5O/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D9MK150/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

More storage:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DTZA5S0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

With all of that, plus an outlet/box/misc wire from the hardware store I'm now able to control an electrical outlet remotely - pretty basic, but a huge deal for me.

This, for example. NEW B+, case, sd card, wifi, usb, and hdmi for $60.

There isn't much difference there. The make and model of the SD card and the WiFi adapter are different, but they should perform the same. The Canakit shows, but doesn't mention the heat sink. The differences I see: the Canakit comes with a black case and a 2.5A power supply where as the Vilros kit comes with a clear case and a 2A power supply.

Non-mobile links: Canakit and Vilros, in case anyone else wants to look.

Depending on what accessories you want to add, you may need to utilize a powered USB hub, even with the four (4) ports on the B+ due to (potential) power issues. I think 2A is probably going to be plenty for most setups.

That brings it to the case...clear or black?

I've gotten stuff from both Canakit and Vilros and there have been no issues with any of it.

---

> What sort of limitations should I expect with this project? Thinking along the lines of certain emulators not working well (if at all), as well as streaming certain forms of content via Kodi.

I don't think I've had many, if any issues with SD (480p) and HD (720p) video content, but FHD (1080p) does seem to push the Pi. I've heard that a slight over-clocking could correct some of this. I also think there are some issues with higher end and "fancy" audio processing, but for me those issues are pretty much non-existent. For my media needs I use OpenELEC.

I have only started working with emulators on the Pi and so far things have worked pretty well. I followed a Lifehacker post and a post in DIY about setting up RetroPie and it seemed to cover most things. I have only tried NES, SNES, and Genesis and I have been happy with those. There are some of the higher-end emulators that may have issues (N64 is one that gets mentioned), but I haven't tried any of those other options, yet.

I'm confused about your starter kit links. The first one you posted is a b+ v1.2, the second is a b+ v1. They both run with 512mb RAM according to the raspberry pi tech specs. Wouldn't I want this kit: http://www.amazon.com/Raspberry-Complete-Starter-Includes-Quick/dp/B00L87YMGM because its a newer revision?

No, I wish I worked for Amazon! I just love the FireTV.

As a side note, if you are feeling like a good DIY, easy project to be able to emulate anything you want, have a look at getting a Rasberry PI and using the RetroPie image. It was made especially for emulating games and it great. Takes a little while to get configured, but for $60 dollars you can get the whole kit on Amazon, all parts included. You would just need to set it up and provide the Roms:

http://lifehacker.com/how-to-turn-your-raspberry-pi-into-a-retro-game-console-498561192

Kit: http://www.amazon.com/Raspberry-Complete-Starter-Includes-Quick/dp/B00L87YMGM

Resources:
http://blog.petrockblock.com/

http://supernintendopi.wordpress.com/

+1 for the MCM starter kit. I bought that one even though I didn't really need the other bits because that was the fastest way to get a RasPi3 when everyone else was sold out. However, the shipping was only $10, so I'm not sure what you mean by "load on top".


If you have an Amazon Prime membership, you can get [this kit which isn't terrible] (http://www.amazon.com/Vilros-Raspberry-Complete-Starter-Kit--Clear/dp/B00L87YMGM/) and free shipping.

If you are looking to go as inexpensively as possible, consider this for $59.99 with prime, includes RPi B+, power, MicroSD pre-loaded with NOOBS, WiFi, HDMI cable, and case:

http://www.amazon.com/CanaKit-Raspberry-Complete-Original-Preloaded/dp/B008XVAVAW/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1415822400&sr=1-2&keywords=raspberry+pi+canakit+starter

EDIT: another option, but basically the same:

http://www.amazon.com/Raspberry-Complete-Starter-Quick-Start/dp/B00L87YMGM/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1415820344&sr=1-4&keywords=raspberry+pi

I learned all on my own. Granted I don't do a whole lot of object-oriented programming on a day to day I do write scripts 75% of my time, mostly in PowerShell, some in VBS and even Python.

Python is HUGE in IT. If you look up any job at Google/Microsoft/Pixar/Rocksteady gaming/etc. right now, they prefer you know Python. There are a ton of free tutorials all over the web to browse through but I learned off Codecademy because you can code on screen as you learn.

The bad thing about graduate degrees for people like us that realize what we want to late is the prerequisites. Most graduate programs require you to have a certain amount of mathematics, entry level programming, or equivalent experience before you're accepted, if not a CS undergrad degree. You may have to take classes that don't count towards the degree just to get into the program which, to me, isn't worth the time/money.

I did find a MCIS (Masters of Computer Information Systems) program through Colorado State University (online) that looked slightly promising for me. It does require a certain undergrad GPA, and a GMAT test however but will consider those close. All that being said, I still don't have a Masters and I'm debating going for one like the above. I only really want one because I'm 29 and feel like I'll start losing brain power if I don't consume everything now, like a mid-early-life crisis for nerds I guess lol.

The biggest thing that I could tell you to do right now is to stay motivated. Maybe find an entry level position somewhere and while you're there start working on your programming skills. Don't limit yourself to strictly programming but learn electronics and how software, hardware, and electricity work together. Maybe invest in a Raspberry Pi (like this one) and build something neat using these tutorials. All the while you're gaining a ton of IT and IT Custom Service experience (which you'll never get out of, even as a programmer).

Please feel free to hit me up anytime for any help. :)

EDIT: Sorry so long o_O

Here is a link to Pi Kit on Amazon, I personally wouldn't buy a kit though.
http://www.amazon.com/Raspberry-Model-Plus-Complete-Starter/dp/B00L87YMGM/ref=sr_1_2?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1410720723&sr=1-2&keywords=raspberry+pi+b%2B

Sneaky reference in there. :P
Edited to add the non-referenced link because I am an asshole: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L87YMGM